Marilou Rochford, Educator of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) presented the workshop, Lessons for “Staying Young” through Diet and Exercise, on September 21 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. The program, part of a year-long Wellness Series offered by FCHS, focused on how the balance of a healthy diet and exercise program can help you remain youthful and energetic.

Photo caption: Marilou Rochford, Family and Community Health Sciences Educator and Jessica Miller provided information on how to stay young through diet and exercise during workshop at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County on September 21, 2016.

Rochford asked participants, “Is your diet aging you?” She said, “Research shows that eating more nutrient rich foods and avoiding processed and fatty foods will help keep you healthy longer. Plus, a diet high in antioxidants combined with regular exercise can improve your quality of life. Also, too much sugar and processed carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and baked goods, can lead to damage in your skin’s collagen and is tied to disease, diabetes, and cancer.”

The program included information on types of foods to add to your diet and those foods to avoid. Also, there was an interactive segment devoted to the importance of strength training exercises demonstrated by co-presenter, Jessica Miller.
Rochford added, “You may not be able to change your birthday, but some easy tips to reduce your Real Age include: Quit smoking, reduce stress, floss your teeth, fill up on fiber, be a lifelong learner, be social, and laugh.

The next workshop in the series, Eating Healthy During the Holidays…Recipe “Rehab” Holiday Style, will take place on Wednesday, November 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. Participants will learn: how to stay on a healthy eating track during the holidays, easy holiday recipe makeovers, and exercises to help reduce stress during the holidays.

The cost of the workshop is $15 and advanced registration is required. Space is limited, so, please reserve your place early. Call Marian at (609) 465-5115, ext. 609 or email marian.courtney@co.cape-may.nj.us for more information or to register for the program.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County helps both youth and adults improve their knowledge and skills, enhance their quality of life, and resolve problems in areas of food, nutrition, health and wellness; food safety; agriculture; environmental and natural resource management; and youth development. This is accomplished through the use of science-based knowledge and university research. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an education organization within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s education programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Contact: Marilou Rochford, MA, CFLE, FCHS Educator at 465-5115 ext. 609